New Movie About Rosa Parks Based on Book by Longtime Veatch Grantee, Beacon Press
Recently, a new movie about the life and activism of Rosa Parks began streaming on Peacock+. This movie, "The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks," is based on a 2021 young adult book by the same name and published by Beacon Press—a longtime Veatch grantee. The NAACP-image award winning book reintroduces Rosa Parks—one of the most well-known U.S. women of the 20th century—to a new generation of young people. Though her role in launching the infamous Montgomery bus boycott is often portrayed as accidental, this book by Jeanne Theoharis and Brandy Colbert explores Parks as the activist, organizer and freedom fighter she truly was.
"The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks" is just one of several titles published by Beacon Press that explores important historical and current topics through a young adult lens. In recent years, Beacon Press's Young Adult Series has produced important books on racial justice, policing, climate change and more. As part of this work, Beacon is publishing young adult versions of its acclaimed "ReVisioning American History" series—which recounts familiar narratives from our country's past through the viewpoint of underrepresented communities. Recent young adult titles now include "A Queer History of the United States for Young people," and "An Indigenous People's History of the United States for Young People." The Congregation’s support for Beacon Press directly helps to make this groundbreaking series possible.
We note, with sadness, the recent passing of Judy Heumann, beloved author from Beacon Press's Youth Adult Series. Heumann's contribution to the series, "Rolling Warrior The Incredible, Sometimes Awkward, True Story of a Rebel Girl on Wheels Who Helped Spark a Revolution," chronicled the impact of her legendary disability rights activism—which includes a new program area at the Ford Foundation to fund the next generation of disability rights leaders. We encourage you to learn more about Heumann in this New York Times obituary or on her own website.
Image: Longtime disability rights advocate and Beacon Press author Judy Heumann
The values and priorities of Unitarian Universalism are reflected in all of Beacon's work. On Saturday March 11th, please join the UUCSR Social Justice Committee, co-sponsored by the Veatch Program. We are delighted to be joined by the film's director, Yoruba Richen. The event is free but please register here.
See below for details on the screening of "The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks":
The movie is appropriate for adults and youth 13 and older. There will be a special activity, including a story, a game, and a craft for children younger than 13 led by Lifespan Religious Education Coordinator, Carson Jones in room 15 of the religious education wing. Childcare for the very youngest children will also be available in room 2.
There is no charge for this event, but registration is necessary. We invite you to bring a non-perishable food item for a local food pantry. Register here.
Co-sponsored by the UUCSR Social Justice Committee, the Racial Justice Sub-committee, the Lifespan Religious Education Committee, and the Unitarian Universalist Veatch Program at Shelter Rock.
Questions? Contact
What: The Rebellious Life of Mrs Rosa Parks: Film Screening with Director Yoruba Richen
When: Saturday, March 11
Time: 4pm
Where: On site only at UUCSR, Social Hall
48 Shelter Rock Road, Manhasset, NY 11030